Help for a Stubborn Screw

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If you've ever used a power drill, you've certainly encountered a stubborn screw that wouldn't budge and started to slip. Here are some tips to prevent screw ups (pun intended) The first and most important thing to avoid is making the problem worse. If you're trying to remove a screw or a bolt and the tool you're using has started to slip, stop using it. The worst thing you can do is become stubborn and overzealous which will end up ruining the screw for good.

Try using a manual screwdriver rather than a power drill. The reason behind this is that you'll be able to exert more force on the back of the screwdriver and turn slowly which sometimes is enough to get the screw going.

If that's not working out, either because you're starting to hurt your hand or you're simply not strong enough, you're going to need more torque. To get more torque you'll need to use a socket wrench.

Finally the last resort should be using a screw extractor. A screw extractor is a screwdriver bit which has rough threads on the tip. These threads dig into

the metal of the screw head and get stuck there so you can grip onto the screw and apply the torque you need to remove it. These tools are simple and inexpensive. All you do is attach the extractor bit to a drill or screw driver, set it to reverse, and slowly remove the screw. You can find one at any hardware store. The ones shown in the pictures are Craftsman Screw-Out Damaged Screw Removers and run about $20 at any Sears. For more tool tips check out some easy to use power tools for women. To see how we test products at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, please go to www.goodhousekeeping.com/ghri tours.